WSJ Your Money Briefing What’s News in Markets: The War Trade, Megadeals and a Sneaker Slowdown
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Apr 4, 2026 Markets swing on oil prices rising while energy stocks fall. Big mergers spark debate over debt and buyer’s remorse. A major IPO filing hints at one of the largest listings ever. Tech names rebound after court rulings. Athletic retail tumbles on weak China sales.
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Market Rally Amid Iran Uncertainty
- Stocks rose despite mixed Iran conflict signals, with the Nasdaq up 4.4% and S&P and Dow about 3% for the week.
- Brent crude jumped nearly 8% to $109 a barrel, yet energy stocks fell over 5% as investors feared long-term supply issues.
Historic Mega Deal Boom Sparks Shareholder Doubts
- 2026 saw a record start with 22 mega M&A deals worth $10 billion+ announced in the quarter, buoying bankers but worrying shareholders.
- Companies taking on big debt, like McCormick and Cisco, saw shares drop sharply after announcing large acquisitions.
Balance Sheet Move Boosts Intel Stock
- Intel's stock jumped nearly 17% after agreeing to spend $14.2 billion to buy Apollo's 49% stake in its Irish chip plant.
- Executives framed the buyout as proof of a stronger balance sheet and a more focused strategy.